Melinda Wilkes

Board Chair

Melinda Wilkes

Director of
Volunteer Engagement at
Special Olympics Southern California

Board Member since 2016

By day, Melinda is the Director of Volunteer Engagement at Special Olympics Southern California and teaches a course on volunteer management at University of San Diego. But, by night (well, before 9pm at least – she has two kids so let’s be real) she is a volunteer service fanatic.

She often forces her children to volunteer, hey, they’re under 4 so they don’t know what is going on, and often bribes persuades her family and friends to tag along. She is gifted at conversation and successfully weaves Harry Potter into everything – really, it’s a gift.

But in all seriousness, she is committed to making San Diego the finest volunteering city and is proud to serve by many who feel the same. “When I learned about HandsOn San Diego, I instantly knew I wanted to be a part of this important initiative. I kind of stalked the Founder, Jaci, until she let me play a role. I am excited to be serving as the Board Chair in 2017 and look forward to making building on the strengths of many.”

Her favorite HandsOn moment so far was leading a beach cleanup while wearing her her youngest kiddo on her chest. He kept trying to steal the pen when volunteers were signing in.